NSW: More deadly earthquakes possible in Newcastle: study

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2000
NSW: More deadly earthquakes possible in Newcastle: study

By Karen Michelmore

SYDNEY, Aug 14 AAP - The geological fault which caused the deadly 1989 Newcastle earthquake
was still active and could rupture again, a study has found.

Researchers mapping the potentially deadly 40 kilometre fault, which lies under Lake
Macquarie, have warned locals to prepare for more violent earthquakes.

Only 20 per cent of the 1,000 square kilometre surface area of the fault had ruptured
previously, the team of Queensland University of Technology researchers found.

"The six earthquakes that have occurred in the Newcastle area in the last 150 years
have ruptured a combined area of only about 200 square kilometres," earthquake geologist
Dr Gary Huftile said.

"This leaves more than 800 square kilometres unruptured. That area could rupture in
an earthquake similar to or larger than the one in 1989."

Thirteen people were killed and 162 injured in the Newcastle earthquake, which lasted
just six seconds.

The quake, which measured 5.6 on the Richter scale, caused more than $1 billion damage
to 60,000 buildings and was felt hundreds of kilometres away.

"You have a history of earthquakes, you also have a fault that does not appear to be
exhausted in the earthquakes so far," Dr Huftile said.

"Therefore you have reason to worry."

Dr Huftile, who has spent two years mapping the fault, said it was the only active
fault in the Newcastle area.

He said the findings highlighted the need for general earthquake preparedness in Newcastle.

"I am concerned that people don't understand the hazard and have not prepared," Dr Huftile said.

"My main concern is the Newcastle CBD and Port ares, which are built on a foundation
of bay mud and river sediment.

"In a quake, that foundation amplifies the effect and causes the area to shake like
a bowl of jelly."

Dr Huftile said it was important that research be continued to understand the geology
of the Newcastle area.

"It is astounding to me that 10 years after the earthquake, the mapping of this fault
is just now getting done."

Comment was being sought from Newcastle Council.

AAP km/ah/cjh/de

KEYWORD: EARTHQUAKE

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